Money by Zikoko
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Naira Life Vol 127

Naira Life Vol 127

Also: My dad disowned me because I stopped paying black tax

Toheeb Lanlehin
April 07, 2025

Volume 127

Good morning ☀️

If you're here, chances are you're a fan of stories about upward income trajectories and might even like those marked with seemingly rapid income growth. Today's Naira Life gives us that.

My favourite thing about these kinds of stories is uncovering how people's relationships change when their life does a 180. So how does a 22-year-old who earns 10x what he did last year navigate this "life-changing" income? How did he even get here?

Meanwhile, the blessing or curse [depending on who you ask] of being the highest earner is the onslaught of responsibilities. But what happens when expectations fracture family dynamics? That's the running theme of the second story in this dispatch.

There's more. Let's get started.

In this letter:

Naira Life:The Crypto Social Media Manager Who 10x’ed His Income in 1 Year
My Dad Disowned Me Because I Stopped Paying Black Tax
6 Nigerians Share Their Real Money-Saving Hacks for Surviving Inflation
Ask Aunty M: I Just Finished Paying Off a Loan, but Fresh Responsibilities Might Push Me Into Taking Another
Where The Money At?!

#NairaLife: The Crypto Social Media Manager Who 10x’ed His Income in 1 Year

When the 22-year-old in this #NairaLife found social media management as a fresh student in 2020, he had no idea it would change his life.

Less than five years later, he’s unlocked new financial levels and hopes his upward trajectory results in better financial management.

This is his #NairaLife

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My Dad Disowned Me Because I Stopped Paying Black Tax

In this story, Jola* (27) shares how her overwhelming need to please her barely present father pushed her into a black tax cycle.

In 2024, some revelations caused her to withdraw her financial support, leading to her dad disowning her. Read the full story

6 Nigerians Share Their Real Money-Saving Hacks for Surviving Inflation

The rising cost of living is forcing Nigerians to rethink their spending. From cutting back on essentials to sacrificing luxuries, survival now means making tough choices.

We spoke to six Nigerians about their real money-saving and spending hacks in today’s challenging economy. Read their stories here.

Ask Aunty M with Reni

I just finished paying off a loan I took, but I’m facing new financial challenges. I need to cover my sister’s school fees and my master’s degree instalment payment, but my salary hasn’t increased despite significant growth in my role. I’ve officially asked for a raise, but they keep stalling. I really enjoy working at my company, so job-hunting hasn’t felt like the right move, but with my bills piling up, I’m running out of options. The only solution I see right now is taking another loan, but that’s not ideal. As the first child, I don’t have much financial support, and I’m not in a relationship, so there’s no fallback. I’d really appreciate your advice — it’s been weighing me down. What would you do in my situation? - Laila, 27

Laila, God bless you for taking on all of this. It’s really giving firstborn energy. As a firstborn daughter, I can relate. But remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You are being depleted in two ways. First, you’re paying school fees, which will lead to you being in debt. Not only are you pouring from an empty cup, but there’s a hole in the cup, and what was in it has left a stain on your pants.

Please, please, please calculate how much interest you’ll be paying on this loan. Can your sister, parents, or other family members contribute to her fees? Can your sister take out a loan herself? The ideal situation is that you give from your surplus, meaning you do not go into debt for this.

Your quality of life is suffering because of this choice, which isn’t your responsibility. I suggest you come up with a fixed amount -- within your current means -- that you can commit to the fees. Above that, the money has to come from another source that doesn’t require debt.

The second way you’re depleting yourself is by staying at a job that no longer serves you. Yes, you enjoy the people, but who says there isn’t a job where you’ll love the people, feel fulfilled by the work, and also get paid a decent salary that can take care of your household expenses? This will also allow you to give to your loved ones, save, and invest so you can pour into yourself.

I think you should challenge yourself to start looking for new roles that fit the criteria I mentioned. And I'm rooting for you.

Xoxo, Reni

If you're here, you probably have a money or work dilemma. Ask your question and we'll figure out an actionable solution for you.

Where The Money At?!

We can't say we're about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we've compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.